Beth Offenbacker
Beth Offenbacker, PhD, CPCC, is a strategic engagement expert with more than 20 years’ experience working with public agencies, private firms, and nonprofits/NGOs on a broad variety of stakeholder processes, projects, and issues. She has local, state, regional, national, and international experience.
Her work includes projects in the areas of stormwater management, watershed planning, sewers, parks and natural resource management, environmental issues, civil design, public transit (bus, rail), transportation (bridges, roads), tunnels, pedestrian/biker pathways, and land use planning. She is one of a small number of management consultants who provide capacity building for engagement and also design and lead engagement processes.
During her tenure at Waterford, Beth has been consistently recognized for her strategic and creative vision in guiding the firm’s work with its diverse range of clients, and she is the recipient of numerous industry and professional awards.
In addition to her work at Waterford, Beth is Director of Training & Development for the global nonprofit Leaders in Energy, a 4,500+ member organization of clean energy and sustainability professionals in the U.S. and more than 100 countries.
Prior to establishing Waterford in 1996, Beth’s work experience included positions with the federal sector, the electric power industry, a professional trade association, and a marketing firm. She served as Associate Director for Social Media and Engagement with the Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs in Old Town Alexandria from 2012-2015, where she served in higher education leadership and administration.
Beth designed and delivered classroom instruction as an adjunct faculty member with the Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs and the American University School of Communications and she also served as Chief Learning Officer with the online training provider, PublicDecisions, where she designed and delivered a training/learning program for 1,200 people from 16 countries at 46 programs. She has designed and led workshops, sessions, and training seminars for community nonprofits, professional conferences, and stakeholder groups, from small groups to sessions with more than 100 participants. Beth is fluent in delivering classes and programs via live streaming and in blended formats (a combination of face-to-face, asynchronous tools such as Canvas, and/or live streaming as well as webinars).
She earned a bachelor's degree in communications at the State University of New York at Brockport and a master's degree in public communications at American University. A graduate of Virginia Tech’s Center for Public Administration and Policy, Beth's doctoral dissertation focused on the practice of public participation in 12 countries (Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, China, Cote d'Ivoire, Mexico, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Sweden, and the United States).
Beth is past chair of the American Planning Association's International Division and a founding member of the World Town Planning Day Online Conference.
Beth participates in several "green" organizations or initiatives, including the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and its Sustainability Committee, Leaders in Energy, and the Women's Council on Energy and the Environment. She is also an active Toastmaster.
Beth follows trends and practices in engagement through the International Association for Public Participation (Lifetime Member), and through scholarly and practitioner journals and conferences. She is an active volunteer with the Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria and she resides in South Arlington, Virginia.